The Top 10 Best Makeup Setting Spray Picks To Prevent a Makeup Meltdown

Set it and forget it with the best face-setting sprays.
Three setting sprays
Photos: Sephora
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by
Lauren Whalley
lauren whalley headshot
Lauren Whalley
Fashion Editor, Beauty & Inclusivity
  • Lauren writes and edits articles for The Knot Worldwide, with a specialty in fashion, beauty and size inclusivity.
  • Prior to The Knot Worldwide, Lauren worked in wedding editorial for Brides, Style Me Pretty and Enaura Bridal.
  • Lauren studied public relations and advertising at the University of Central Florida.
Updated Mar 25, 2024
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If there's one makeup product I'm keeping in my bridal emergency kit on my wedding day, it's setting spray. Whether you're the to-be-wed, bridesmaid or guest, the best setting sprays will help you keep a long-lasting and glowy complexion through such an important occasion. And since getting engaged, I have been on the hunt for the best face-setting spray to seal my makeup for all my wedding events. This magical mist needs to be able to keep my wedding foundation and bridal lipstick in place and last through a day full of happy tears, hugs and celebrating. And I know I'm not the only one out there looking for the best setting sprays, and as it turns out, there is an ideal one based on your skin type. So, keep reading to discover a few of the best setting sprays that I've loved as a beauty editor and bride-to-be (including my holy grail pick), as well as some of the best setting sprays for makeup based on some (literally) glowing reviews.

In this article:

Do I Need a Makeup Setting Spray?

Makeup setting sprays (along with face primers) are like the secret weapon for locking in your look and ensuring your wedding makeup stays flawless from the early morning preparations to the last dance at your reception. It helps to keep all of your makeup, from your foundation and highlighter to your mascara and blush, in place. Not to mention, it can help prevent unwanted smudging or transfer and even control how shiny or matte your makeup looks. Trust me, once you try it, it will be a staple in your everyday makeup routine too.

The Best Makeup Setting Sprays for a Long-Lasting Look

Now, let's dive into the exciting part: finding the best makeup setting sprays for your skin type. I've done the research and put together a list of top contenders that will keep you looking radiant and photo-ready all day long.

Overall Best Makeup Setting Spray: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray
Photo: Sephora

I won't gatekeep: Charlotte Tilbury's Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray is my top pick and holy grail find for creating a long-lasting and flawless finish. Infused with a hydrating blend of aloe vera and Japanese green tea, this setting spray provides a refreshing burst of hydration while keeping your wedding makeup locked in place with a smooth complexion.

Glowing review: "This setting spray was very light. I followed the instructions as per the bottle, spritzed it over my face before applying anything to it and after having put my makeup on. I wore this at a wedding on one of the hottest days of the year in the UK this summer and my makeup stayed pristine from lunchtime to midnight despite the weather, dancing and sweat!" - Louise, Charlotte Tilbury

Price: $38

Best Drugstore Setting Spray: Milani Make It Last Original - Natural Finish Setting Spray

Milani Make It Last Original setting spray
Photo: Target

If you're on a budget but still want a setting spray that delivers on performance, look no further than Milani's Make It Last Original Setting Spray. Formulated with a weightless, breathable formula, this drugstore gem keeps your makeup intact for up to 16 hours. (Psst: this also makes a great gift to put in your bridesmaid gift bags!)

Glowing Review: "I'm not one to leave a review most of the time but as this is the third time I've purchased this, I figured I should let everyone else in on how good it is! lightweight, feels refreshing and makes your makeup last longer! There is no need to spend more when you can get this at such an affordable price!" - Liz, Ulta

Price: $16

Best Setting Spray for Dry Skin: Morphe Continuous Setting Mist

Morphe Continuous Setting Mist setting spray
Photo: Target

Dry skin? No problem! Morphe's Continuous Setting Mist is a go-to (and it's perfect fo weddings that take place in cold, dry weather.) Packed with nourishing ingredients such as vitamin E and glycerin, this mist replenishes moisture on your skin and prevents your makeup from clinging to dry patches.

Glowing Review: "I just bought this yesterday and I am in LOVE. As a dry skin girly it's hard to find a setting spray that is both dewy and keeps my makeup in place. This spray is perfect. It feels like it melts all of the layers of makeup together and locks them in place. I also love the smell but that's just personal preference. I'm not sure how long this bottle will last but I definitely think it's worth the price regardless." - Bri, Target

Price: $17

Best Setting Spray for Oily Skin: Urban Decay All-Nighter Waterproof Makeup Setting Spray

Urban Decay all-nighter waterproof setting spray
Photo: Sephora

If you have oily skin and want a setting spray that can withstand an outdoor wedding, the Urban Decay All-Nighter Waterproof Makeup Setting Spray is your holy grail. This cult-favorite formula is designed to control shine and keep your makeup in place, even in the hottest and most humid conditions.

Glowing Review: "I bought this as a wedding gift for my cousin. She used it for the big day, and never had to adjust her makeup at all! It lasted through dancing, crying and tons of humidity at her outside wedding. Now I swear by it because I work long hours. I still look fresh at the end of the day, and it makes me feel confident." - Ky, Sephora

Price: $36

Best Dewy Setting Spray: Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Dewy Long-Lasting Setting Spray With Hyaluronic Acid + Niacinamide

Milk Makeup Hydro Grip setting spray
Photo: Sephora

For those who want that oh-so-trendy dewy glow, the Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Dewy Long-Lasting Setting Spray is your go-to pick. Infused with hydrating hyaluronic acid and skin-brightening niacinamide, this spray gives your complexion a luminous and natural finish.

Glowing Review: "I absolutely love this product. I used this when I was going to a wedding and my makeup stayed in place the whole night. This leaves your face feeling refreshed and also gives it the perfect glow. It also has a subtle refreshing scent but it's too overpowering." - Becca

Price: $38

Best Matte Setting Spray: ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starrr On 'Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray

ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starrr setting spray
Photo: Sephora

All you need to know is that Beyonce used the ONE/SIZE On 'Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray on her Renaissance Tour, and if Queen Bey's makeup didn't budge, neither will yours. This spray mattifies the skin and sets your makeup for an ultra-long-lasting finish. Its lightweight and smudge-proof formula will ensure that your makeup stays flawless from the vows to the toasts.

Glowing Review: "I used this for a sweaty Californian wedding and my makeup stayed perfectly in place all night long. I even got tons of comments from people asking me how it stayed so fresh looking!" - Cindy, Sephora

Price: $32

Best Setting Spray for Mature Skin: IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Setting Spray + Hydrating Mist

IT Cosmetics setting spray and hydrating mist
Photo: Target

For mature skin, the IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Setting Spray + Hydrating Mist is a game-changer. Infused with hyaluronic acid, collagen and peptides, this setting spray not only keeps your makeup in place but also nourishes and hydrates the skin.

Glowing Review: "I recently tried It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Setting Spray with totally amazing results. My first impression was how nice this setting spray smells—a very light coconut, and a bit of citrus in it; I believe the Hyaluronic Acid in this product truly helps prevent the foundation from sinking into lines and wrinkles. For this reason alone, I'd say this is the perfect setting spray for more mature skin, as well as younger skin with facial expression lines; to me, this alone, it's worth its price in gold!" - Trish, Sephora

Price: $30

Best Setting Spray for Humid Weather: Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Always An Optimist 4-in-1 Prime & Set Mist

Rare Beauty setting spray
Photo: Sephora

Planning or attending a summer wedding? Fear not, because the Rare Beauty Always An Optimist 4-in-1 Prime & Set Mist has got your back (or face, rather.) This innovative spray minimizes the appearance of pores, controls shine and, most importantly, will keep your makeup from transferring onto your guest's shoulders when you go in for a hug.

Glowing Review: "Everything about this setting mist is perfect. It's dewy but not too dewy and still sets your makeup! I wore this setting mist with my makeup and can say my makeup looked good all day, plus I was in Miami Heat, If it can withstand the hot, humid Miami days, it can withstand anything! I also love the smell; it's a luxurious spa!" - Katie, Sephora

Price: $27

Best Waterproof Setting Spray: Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional: Super Setter Pore-Minimizing Setting Spray

Benefit Cosmetics The POREFessional setting spray
Photo: Sephora

When it comes to waterproof setting sprays, Benefit Cosmetics' The POREfessional: Super Setter Setting Spray is a standout. This pore-minimizing spray locks in your makeup, controls shine and provides a waterproof barrier that withstands tears, sweat, and even unexpected showers in case it rains on your wedding day (You can thank me later!)

Glowing Review: "One of the best setting sprays I have ever used! The POREfessional super setter pore-minimizing spray has the best mister. It has such a fine mist but covers your face perfectly. It sets my makeup and holds it all day long. I love that it is also practically waterproof. It's going to be great for hot summer days with sweating." - Melissa, Sephora

Price: $35

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